Project Backpack is a program Melissa set-up to help youth who were being released from correctional facilities in the Willamette Valley who would be homeless. The idea of the program is to provide these youth with some survival tools that can help them get successfully back into the community. Inside the backpacks are hygiene items, water, food, supplies, a first aid kit, basic clothing, blankets, bus passes, and a resource list showing shelters, medical services and help for finding a job throughout the state. The bus pass is a huge link to helping the youth get a job because without transportation, finding a job is near impossible. The supplies have come through various donations.
True to Melissa’s nature, she is still helping out with the program even though she has completed her Masters course work. In Melissa’s own words, “The kids are our future and we need to help out the youth that are growing up right now without families and places to live. We need to step-up and help those kids so they can grow up and contribute to our society.”
We are glad that Melissa has set such an example for all of us. Thank you Melissa, we are so glad we have had the chance to work with you.
Below are a couple photos from Melissa and Tyler’s Wedding.
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